Midway split varsity basketball contests with visiting East Central 2-A Conference opponent James Kenan on Senior Night Friday, with the Raiders winning the girls game, but the Tigers winning the boys game.

Midway overcame a rough stretch in the second quarter to win 75-39 in the girls game.

“We didn’t recognize that we had to mark out (in the second quarter),” said Midway girls’ coach Allen McLamb. “We just got kind of lazy. It’s Senior Night and there’s a lot of stuff going on. But after that, we cleaned up and played good. I’m pleased. Great Senior Night for my girls. We’ve got five super seniors and it’s been a good year for them so far, so we’re just going to keep on doing what we do. Play basketball. That’s it.”

Senior Leah Williams had 29 points to pace the Lady Raiders (18-1, 8-1 ECC), who bounced back from a 57-54 home loss to East Duplin on Monday night.

J.J. Sankey had 11 points. Alyssa Wrench had nine points. Senior Madee Royal had eight points. Senior Hannah Lucas had seven points. Senior Logan Baggett had five points. Jenna Pope had four points. Senior Karizma Smith had two points.

Shamyia Newkirk led the Tigers (9-8, 5-4) with 23 points.

Prior to the game, Midway honored five seniors: Leah Williams, Logan Baggett, Hannah Lucas, Madee Royal and Karizma Smith.

After Midway dominated the first quarter, taking a 16-4 lead, James Kenan surged in the second quarter, cutting the lead to 32-26 at the half.

But Midway finished strong, outscoring James Kenan 16-7 in the third quarter and 27-6 in the fourt

Midway Boys Battle

Midway battled throughout the boys game, but could not overcome James Kenan in a 65-58 loss.

“I don’t really know what to say after a game like that,” said Midway boys coach Joseph Easley. “I’m proud of my guys. I’m proud of my seniors. I’m proud of my team. We fought harder than we have any other night. There was no quit. No giving up. It was really close right up there to the end. There were a lot of 50/50 calls there towards the end that could have gone either way and it felt like a few more went James Kenan’s way. And they made their free throws down the stretch. I thought that made the difference. I’m proud of the effort, it just didn’t fall our way tonight.”

Senior Colby Pope powered the Raiders (5-13, 0-9) with 24 points.

“Colby was phenomenal,” Easley said. “He really led us. He was diving on the floor for loose balls. He hit a step back three that was real big and got this place real loud. He was the heart and soul of the team in the first half.”

Senior Bryson Core had 10 points. Hykeem Rains had six points. Senior Lashann Autry and Jamarrrious Rich had five points apiece. Seniors Tye Mullins and Cole Parker had three points apiece. Cameron Barefoot had two points.

Darryl McCaster, Jr. had 25 points, Jareem Lovette had 15 and Jonathon Carr had 12 to lead the Tigers (11-16, 3-6).

Prior to the game, Midway honored seniors Caegan Jackson, Colby Pope, Cole Parker, Jake Rivera, Jonathan Wood, Lashann Autry and Tye Mullins, as well as senior manager Logan Dodson.

With the Tigers leading 21-14 early in the fourth quarter, Midway went on a 9-2 run, tying the game on a three-pointer from Pope. The Tigers scored a pair to push the lead to four, but a three-point play from Pope cut it to 27-26 at the half.

James Kenan held its largest lead of the game late in the fourth, at 60-47, when Midway went on an 11-1 run to cut it to 61-58. But the Tigers made the necessary stops and went 4-for-5 at the free throw line down the stretch to hold on for the win.

Midway is at home against Spring Creek on Monday night.